In early February the BISC’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity (EDII) committee organised a special intercultural event for students. The concept for the event was actually the idea of first year student Sowmiya Sivanayagam, who wanted international students to share aspects of their cultural heritage, including cuisine, stories, music, and even a fashion show of national costumes.
This was the first time that the EDII committee had organised such an event, and we were delighted to have the support and active participation of the students’ Cultural Affairs Committee, as well as funding and support from Student Services and the Musicians-in-Residence.
Huge thanks are due to Sowmiya for coming up with the concept for the event, which was very well attended indeed. EDII Committee Chair Diana Gilchrist was delighted to report that over half the entire student body showed up to the Ballroom to enjoy the wonderful homecooked food and join in fun activities such as opportunities to learn Chinese calligraphy and traditional Indian henna painting.
Dr Isabelle Brent, who co-chaired the sub-committee, spent many hours along with several students organising these activities and beavering away in the kitchens to produce an enticing variety of food for everyone to try. The event was a huge success that has every chance of becoming a regular event in the BISC’s student programming.